The Public Prosecution clarifies who is a protected witness and their rights
The Saudi Public Prosecution issued an important clarification regarding the established legal concepts in the Kingdom’s judicial system, highlighting the definition of a “protected witness,” as part of its ongoing efforts to promote legal awareness and ensure the administration of justice according to the highest standards.
The concept of a protected witness
The Public Prosecution clarified that a witness under protection is a person who provides significant information they perceived through their senses, or who consents to provide it, to prove a crime covered by the provisions of the law. This clarification is based on the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims , which stipulates the protection of anyone who provides information that contributes to uncovering a crime, ensuring their physical and psychological safety and safeguarding their material and moral rights.
Legal context and legislative background
This announcement comes amidst significant legislative developments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, specifically following the Cabinet's approval in February 2024 of the Law for the Protection of Whistleblowers, Witnesses, Experts, and Victims. This law represents a qualitative leap in the history of the Saudi judiciary, aiming to provide a legal safety net that encourages individuals to cooperate with security and judicial authorities without fear of retaliation, threats, or extortion.
This move reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to developing its legislative environment to keep pace with international standards in the field of human rights and combating crime, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the judicial system in reaching the truth.
The importance of protection and its impact on society
Witness protection is of paramount importance on several levels:
- Strengthening the fight against corruption and organized crime: Fear of reprisal is the biggest obstacle preventing witnesses from coming forward. Providing protection removes this barrier, making it easier to uncover complex criminal networks and cases of financial and administrative corruption.
- Achieving swift justice: The availability of accurate and reliable information from witnesses speeds up litigation procedures and ensures that perpetrators do not escape punishment due to insufficient evidence.
- Community security: When society realizes that the state provides full protection for those cooperating with justice, trust in government institutions increases and a culture of shared responsibility in maintaining security is established.
Types of legally guaranteed protection
According to the regulations in force in the Kingdom, protection is not limited to physical safety alone, but extends to include:
- Job protection: Preventing any arbitrary or administrative actions against the witness at his workplace because of his testimony.
- Concealing identity: In some sensitive cases, measures are taken to conceal the identity of the witness or their personal data in the case files.
- Legal and psychological support: Providing the necessary advice and support to ensure the witness's stability during the litigation process.
In conclusion, the Public Prosecution affirms that these procedures come in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership regarding the necessity of preserving rights and establishing justice, calling on everyone not to hesitate in performing their national duty by giving testimony to establish the truth.
